The full-time whistle at Emirates Stadium on Saturday was met with a smattering of boos from Arsenal supporters, knowing this was a huge missed opportunity to drag themselves back into contention in the Premier League title race.

The Gunners were held to a frustrating goalless draw by Everton and cannot afford too many more slip-ups if the league trophy is to head back to north London for the first time in more than two decades.

Mikel Arteta's men have set themselves a high standard after running Manchester City close in recent seasons but are already playing catch-up on leaders Liverpool, who drew 2-2 with Fulham at Anfield.

Against the Toffees, Arsenal dominated possession with 76% and had 13 shots, but were unable to breakdown a resolute Everton backline.

"I am disappointed not to win the game," said boss Arteta. "There is only one team that deserves to win and that is Arsenal.

"We gave nothing away - no shots conceded, dominated the play, did not allow them to run, no set-pieces and the high press was excellent.

"We generated chances but you have [to score] with all the dominance. I cannot ask more more from the boys apart from putting the ball in the net. We have to put them away."

What do the stats say?

At this same stage last season, they were on 36 points and in second place, while the season before, they were sitting top of the table on 40 points.

They have lost just twice so far, the same number as those two seasons, but draws are costing them this term with six to their name.

After failing to beat Fulham last Sunday, Arsenal have drawn back-to-back league games for the first time since April 2023, while this was their first goalless draw at home since January 2023 against Newcastle.

So is the lack of a prolific striker becoming a problem?

Arsenal have found the net 29 times this season, but the division's better sides usually overperform their xG because they have better players at their disposal.

By way of contrast, Arteta's side overperformed their xG by three goals last season, and by 8.5 in 2022-23.

Of the 27 goals (excluding penalties) they have scored during the Premier League this season, nine have come from set-pieces, which is 33.33% of their overall tally.

So, Arsenal's finishing is down in terms of overperforming xG which a top striker could help with, but their creativity in terms of the amount of shots they're creating is also down.

You could also argue though a striker could help with that too in terms of greater movement and anticipation helping him get chances that others wouldn'tn